If Android Wear doesn't meet all your smartwatch needs, the Pebble series of devices is an impressive alternative... and it doesn't hurt that most of the time, it's the cheaper option. That's especially true today: discount online retailer Monoprice has the latest version of the platform, the Pebble Time, on sale. You can pick one up for just $97.99, plus shipping and local sales tax, when you apply the coupon code "AP20" at checkout. That's a discount of over fifty dollars compared to the retail price of the plastic model.

The Pebble Time is the full-color update to the popular original Pebble, focusing on quickly-accessible notifications rather than stand-alone capability. It uses a non-touch e-paper display that lasts for up to a week without a charge, and it has the same Bluetooth connection and notification system as the original Pebble. New apps can take advantage of the color screen, and it includes a built-in microphone. The watch is water-resistant and works with all conventional 22mm watch bands.

It's worth noting that many first-generation Android Wear devices can often be found for under a hundred bucks, and the original black-and-white Pebble is usually even cheaper than that. Wow, there are a lot of deals out there for smartwatches.

I got MM on my AW this last week (Sony Smartwatch 3) and its increased battery life more often is >2 days now.

A couple of ROM versions back it was awful about 12 hours it would need a mid-afternoon charge.

Android Wear is emerging out of flaky.

For anyone not feeling these smart watches are worthwhile, I got one, got accustomed to it then tried do without and the main obvious advantage is that when your phone bleeps you have to reach for and look at your phone sometimes doing screen unlock, but with a smart watch is is the same effort as looking at a watch for the time. That means you can spend less total time grabbing the phone.

Zsolt V

I also got MM on SW3, but not seeing a battery life increase, but mine was already consistently 2+ days anyhow.

I've got one in red, and it's fantastic for vacations where you're likely to be out in the sun. Indoor readability isn't as good as Android Wear options, but, outside or in bright light, it's the best option out there barring , well, mechanical watches. The screen is incredibly easy to wear, the band is surprisingly comfortable, the apps are pretty robust (weather, driving directions, etc, even some games), and the battery lasts for many times longer. I still prefer Android Wear for daily use, but not by much, and for ~$100, this is a great watch. I honestly think it's not unattractive at all, but the photos don't do it justice (or maybe the red just looks better). It's also a lot lighter (in terms of weight).

TJ

Something I really enjoy with my Pebble Time is the ability to have one smart watch in sync (byebyebye) with two different mobile OS. I have it connected to a Nexus 6P and iPhone 6+. I get notifications from both devices on one watch and leave both in a desk.

This is the price they should have been all along. Would have sold like hot cakes which would get more app developers more band developers and more folks wearing them.

It depends on your needs. The Zenwatch will do more and, I think, looks better. The Pebble is better in outdoor light, has a vastly better battery life, is simpler (pro and con) and is a bit lighter and (I think) thinner. Neither are bad choices, but if you're outside a lot and want the battery life, go for the Pebble. If you're mainly inside and want cool things like nice weather apps (as opposed to Pebble's simpler ones), go with the Zen. Otherwise? I'd personally *probably* go for the Zen over the Pebble if I could get just one.